Influence of dairy practices on the capacity of probiotic bacteria to overcome simulated gastric digestion

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of microbiological and technological factors on the viability and functionality of probiotic Lactobacillus strains. In particular, the influence of harvesting time, food matrix, refrigerated storage, time of inoculation and refrigerated storage in fermented milk on the resistance to simulated gastric digestion (RSGD) was evaluated. Moreover, strain resistance to simulated gastric digestion was compared to human gastric fluid. Results showed that the variables studied affected, in a different way and in a strain‐dependent manner, the RSGD. No direct relation was observed between cell viability and RSGD.     

Microbial and physiochemical changes in yoghurts containing different Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus strains in association with Lactobacillus plantarum as an adjunct culture

Two strains of slow and normal acid‐producing Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, mixed separately with Streptococcus thermophilus, were used in the preparation of yoghurt with or without Lactobacillus plantarum A7. Viable cell counts of lactic bacteria, pH, lactic acid and acetic acid concentrations, soluble nitrogen content, spontaneous syneresis, viscosity and firmness were studied at selected points during the refrigerated storage period. Results showed that survival of L. plantarum A7 in yoghurt was independent of the acidification capability of L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus strains which had already been characterised in their pure culture. Thus, in the preparation of probiotic yoghurt, using slow acid‐producing L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus strain in combination with nondairy lactobacilli postfermentation acidification is not restricted but instability in other physicochemical properties of the yoghurt may be expected.     

Quality characteristics of kefir as a carrier for probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG

Kefir was prepared using kefir grains of different origins (US, Australia and India) and starter culture. The sensory scores for kefir made using starter culture and US kefir grains were significantly higher than for the other samples (P < 0.05). The index of viscosity was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in kefir prepared using Indian kefir grains. Shear stress–shear rate plots indicated yield stress in all kefirs. All samples exhibited shear‐thinning behaviour. The average count of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in kefir after incubation was 7.09 log CFU/g. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed in quality characteristics in kefir after the addition of LGG, indicating that it could be a potential probiotic carrier.     

Statistical optimisation of the exopolysaccharide production by Lactobacillus fermentum Lf2 and analysis of its chemical composition

Lactobacillus fermentum Lf2 produces high amounts of exopolysaccharides (EPS) (~1 g/L) with demonstrated functional and technological roles when applied as a food ingredient in dairy matrices, properties that made these EPS interesting in comparison with other similar molecules from lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Those characteristics encouraged us to optimise the production. The EPS extract is composed of a high molecular mass β‐glucan and a medium molecular mass heteroglycan. In the present work, the optimal conditions that doubled the EPS yield using a semidefined medium (SDM, 0.63% yeast nitrogen base, 0.53% bacto casitone, 0.53% ammonium citrate, 6.25% sucrose, pH 6.5) were found by means of response surface methodology (RSM). The chemical characterisation indicated that under optimised conditions the synthesis of the heteroglycan was favoured compared with that of the β‐glucan.     

Relationship between gastrointestinal tolerance and exopolysaccharide production of propionibacteria strains under different pH and bile conditions

In this study, we report the effects of exposure to simulated gastric and intestinal juices on the survival of six strains of dairy propionibacteria. Gastrointestinal tolerance of propionibacteria strains was highly variable, depending on the strain and pH (P < 0.05). Exopolysaccharides (EPS) production of six propionibacteria strains under different pH conditions and bile concentrations was also studied. A positive correlation was obtained between the EPS production quantity of the strains and tolerance to simulated gastric juices at pH 2.0, 3.0 (P < 0.05). This investigation showed that high EPS production may be important in the selection of probiotic strains for resistance to upper gastrointestinal system conditions.     

Effects of Mentha longifolia L. essential oil on viability and cellular ultrastructure of Lactobacillus casei during ripening of probiotic Feta cheese

The effects of Mentha longifolia L. essential oil during ripening and storage probiotic Feta cheese were studied, in relation to viability and cellular ultrastructure of Lactobacillus casei. The addition of the essential oil in the concentrations from 0.0 to 0.03% was trialled: the 0.03% treatment resulted in the highest viability of L. casei and the lowest pH value compared with other treatments (P < 0.05). Electron microscopy showed that essential oil caused no harm to L. casei. This study demonstrated the favourable effects of M. longifolia on optimal maintenance of L. casei at the end of cheese storage period.     

Growth promotion of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species by proteinaceous hydrolysates derived from poultry processing leftovers

Bacterial growth media represent a high cost in industrial applications, and for this reason, it is economically important to find less expensive supplements to replace the traditional ones. In the present work, peptide hydrolysates obtained from poultry meat and bone residues (functional animal protein [FAP]) and from feathers (functional feather protein [FFP]) were studied to determine their ability for the production of microbial biomass with improved viability. The results obtained were compared with those obtained with other supplement nutritive compounds used in fermentation growth media. The molecular composition of the hydrolysates in terms of total and soluble nitrogen, molecular weight distribution, total and free amino acids, was determined. The growth and cellular state of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains were studied by turbidimetric measurements and direct count by fluorescence microscopy. Overall, this study suggested that by‐products from poultry industry provide a good alternative to substitute expensive supplements for growth of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium with a high level of viability.     

The effects of ratio of cow's milk to soymilk,probiotic strain and fruit concentrate on qualitative aspects of probiotic flavoured fermented drinks

The effects of proportion of cow's milk to soymilk (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, 0:100), probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus LA‐5 or Lactobacillus casei L‐01) and natural fruit concentrates (strawberry, apricot, peach and pear) on quality characteristics of soy‐based probiotic drink were investigated. The parameters were analysed at the end of fermentation and during 21 days of storage at 5 ^°C. The highest viability was observed when the equal proportion of cow's milk and soymilk and L. casei was used (50:50‐CY). During chilled storage, the flavouring apricot had the highest stimulatory effect on the survival of L. casei in 50:50 treatment. In general, the treatment 50:50‐CY was realised as the best one overall.     

Use of homogenisation pressure to improve quality and functionality of probiotic fermented milks containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus BFE 5264

The effects of 60‐MPa milk homogenisation treatment were investigated on the viability of the probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus BFE5264, when used as yoghurt co‐starter, as well as on the aroma profile, texture and microstructure of the resulting set‐type fermented milks. The results demonstrated that the combined use of homogenisation pressure and co‐inoculation of the probiotic strain with the traditional yoghurt starters allowed the reduction in the product coagulation time, the increase of the probiotic strain viability and the improvement of the product volatile molecule profiles. The rheological indices and the microstructure results indicated the positive effects of the milk homogenisation treatment on the product viscosity index and exopolysaccharide production.     

Effect of the main ingredients of Rhizoma gastrodiae on mycelial biomass and exopolysaccharide productions by submerged culture of Grifola frondosa

Various concentrations of the main ingredients of Rhizoma gastrodiae including gastrodin (GA) and p‐hydroxybenzyl alcohol (HA) as well as p‐hydroxylbenzaldehyde (HBA) were separately added into the cultural medium of Grifola frondosa in submerged culture. The results showed that the additive concentration of gastrodin from 0.10 to 0.35 g L^?1, p‐hydroxybenzyl alcohol from 0.05 to 0.30 g L^?1 and p‐hydroxylbenzaldehyde from 0.05 to 0.30 g L^?1 can significantly promote the EPS production by submerged culture of G. frondosa (P < 0.05). Among them, the addition of p‐hydroxylbenzaldehyde at 0.15 g L^?1 exhibited the best results, and the EPS productions reached 2.2511 ± 0.0378 g L^?1, with an increase of 45.03% compared with the control (without additives). Furthermore, all of the additives had an effective stimulatory effect on mycelial biomass. In addition, there is an important and novel breakthrough that p‐hydroxylbenzaldehyde was more effective than R. gastrodiae extract on increasing the EPS productions.     

Comparative effect of probiotic and paraprobiotic addition on rheological and sensory properties of yoghurt

Yoghurt was produced using killed cells of Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCCSD 5221 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB‐12. The rheological and sensory properties of the yoghurt were investigated at the end of the fermentation. The results revealed that the samples made with killed cells gave the lowest storage modulus, loss modulus, stress crossover point and loss tangent. The frequency‐sweep of yoghurt samples containing paraprobiotics added before fermentation showed the highest correlation coefficient. In the case of sensory assessment, significant differences were indicated among treatments. Adding killed cells of B. animalis subsp. lactis BB‐12 before fermentation produced yoghurt with the highest total score, whereas samples containing killed cells of L. acidophilus ATCCSD 5221 and B. animalis subsp. lactis BB‐12 added before fermentation exhibited the lowest total score.     

Evaluation of the possible use of potentially probiotic Lactobacillus strains in dairy products

In the study, the ability of two potentially probiotic strains Lactobacillus plantarum 14 and Lactobacillus fermentum 4a to milk fermentation and the possibility to use them in yogurt production were investigated. The strains did not acidify milk during 24 h and 72 h fermentation at 37C, but grew well and remained at the level of 10⁸ colony-forming units (CFU)/mL during 21 days of cold storage. Their application to yogurt production along with commercial starter culture consisted on L. delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus allowed to obtain products with typical sensory properties, pH values and numbers of potentially probiotic bacteria at desired level 10⁷ CFU/mL.     

Optimisation of probiotic yoghurt production enriched with phytosterols

To optimise the formulation of phytosterol‐enriched probiotic yoghurt, the effect of different concentrations of phytosterols, fat and the probiotic inoculation rate on the survival of Lactobacillus acidophilus LA‐5, Bifidobacterium lactis BB‐12 and physicochemical indices over 14 days of storage was explored. Data analysis showed that the phytosterol concentration and fat content were two crucial factors affecting probiotic viability. Addition of phytosterols had no adverse effect on the overall scores for sensory attributes. Regarding maximisation of viability and storage time, the optimum conditions were found to be fat = 8.07% (w/v), phytosterol = 18 g/L, probiotic inoculation rate = 71.42 mg/L and storage time = 12 days.     

Development of rice as potential carriers for probiotic Lactobacillus amylovorus

An experiment using a standard strain of Lactobacillus amylovorus TISTR1110 to test for the capability of carbohydrate utilisation of nine cultivars of rice found that L. amylovorus TISTR1110 could utilise carbohydrate from all cultivars and also exhibit nonhaemolytic properties. After testing the viability of the strain under simulated gastrointestinal tract conditions by enumeration after 5 h, the results showed that the amount of L. amylovorus TISTR1110 present was 4.0 × 10⁵ CFU/mL or a 73.78% survival rate. From the evaluation of Thai rice cultivars as carriers in probiotic products, the highest amount of probiotic bacteria was found in baked and encapsulated glutinous Luem Pua Thai sticky rice up to 4.9 × 10⁶ CFU/g or a survival rate of 69.39 ± 0.06%. The second highest rate (4.8 × 10⁵ CFU/g) was found in heat–moisture steamed rice of Riceberry rice cultivar or a survival rate of 59.74 ± 0.11%. After testing the capability of adherence using SEM, the results showed that glutinous Luem Pua sticky rice resulted in considerably high survival rate of probiotic bacteria compared with other rice. Additionally, the microbiological safety test reported that the amounts of contaminants were acceptable.     

Shelf life and quality of probiotic yogurt produced with Lactobacillus acidophilus and Gobdin

This study evaluated the effect of dry white mulberry and walnut paste (Gobdin, a traditional Turkish food) in probiotic yogurt on the survival of Lactobacillus acidophilus and yogurt properties. Six different yogurts were produced with 0%, 5% and 10% Gobdin using Lactobacillus bulgaricus + Streptococcus thermophilus and with 0%, 5% and 10% Gobdin using L. bulgaricus + S. thermophilus + L. acidophilus. The physical, chemical, microbiological and sensorial properties of the yogurts were evaluated based on storage at 4 ± 1 °C. Probiotic shelf life and the most suitable combinations were determined. The highest L. acidophilus count (8.65 log cfu g^?1) was found in the 5% Gobdin‐supplemented yogurt on the 7th day of storage, while the lowest count (8.11 log cfu g^?1) was found in the probiotic control yogurt on the 21st day. Although the L. acidophilus counts in the probiotic yogurts declined during storage, all values found throughout the 21‐day storage period were >8 log cfu g^?1. This is above the level necessary to provide the desired therapeutic effect in probiotic products (10⁶–10⁷ cfu g^?1). The highest overall acceptability score was obtained on the first day from the yogurt with 5% Gobdin. However, all yogurt samples had general acceptability scores between 7 and 8 points from a 9‐point maximum. Thus, this study determined that a new functional yogurt can be produced using L. acidophilus with 5% Gobdin.     

Antioxidant activity of prebiotic ginseng polysaccharides combined with potential probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum C88

The potential prebiotic properties of Panax ginseng polysaccharides were studied using ten strains of Lactobacillus plantarum isolated from traditional Chinese fermented foods. These probiotics showed different growth characteristics depending on the extract and strain specificity. L. plantarum C88 showed higher cell densities and growth rate when cultured on P. ginseng polysaccharides. In the in vitro antioxidant assay, P. ginseng polysaccharides combined with L. plantarum C88 were found to possess significant DPPH, ABTS and superoxide anion radicals scavenging activities, and acidic polysaccharides showed better antioxidant activity than neutral polysaccharides. Furthermore, we evaluated the antioxidant effect of acidic P. ginseng polysaccharide combined with L. plantarum C88 strain in natural ageing mice in vivo. Acidic P. ginseng polysaccharide and L. plantarum C88 together inhibited the formation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant capacities (T‐AOC) in a dose‐dependent manner.     

Wild Lactobacillus strains: Technological characterisation and design of Coalho cheese lactic culture

To design a specific lactic culture for the controlled manufacture of coalho cheese, 13 Lactobacillus rhamnosus, two Lactobacillus fermentum and one Lactobacillus plantarum strains isolated from artisanal coalho cheeses were identified and characterised. Two Lb. rhamnosus, one Lb. plantarum and one Lb. fermentum were selected and grouped in pairs designing four different culture formulations that demonstrated a good performance in cheesemaking experiments at pilot scale. Further studies to adjust the balance of strains used are necessary to attain adequate sensorial and technological attributes as expected for artisanal cheeses.     

The probiotic role of Lactobacillus plantarum in reducing risks associated with cardiovascular disease

A novel strain of Lactobacillus plantarum DMDL 9010 (CGMCC No. 5172) was isolated from naturally fermented mustard. The potential cholesterol reduction effects of this strain were investigated using an in vivo model. The results showed that L. plantarum DMDL 9010 at a dose of 10⁹ cells per day significantly reduced (P ≤ 0.05) serum total cholesterol (TC), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol content (LDL‐C) levels and atherosclerosis index (AI) by 23.03%, 28.00% and 34.03%, respectively, while L. plantarum DMDL 9010 did not exhibit a significant effect on reducing serum triglycerides (TG) and increasing the serum high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol content (HDL‐C) in experimental rats (P > 0.05). The morphological and pathological changes in the liver illustrated that L. plantarum DMDL 9010 protected the rats against hepatocyte steatosis. Additionally, a high dose of L. plantarum DMDL 9010 was shown to exhibit a positive cholesterol‐lowering effect through decreasing the liver cholesterol (?33.20%) and triglyceride (?40.86%) levels, and increasing significantly (P ≤ 0.05) faecal cholesterol (+31.07%) and bile acid excretion (+70.18%). The results demonstrated that L. plantarum DMDL 9010 acted in a dose‐dependent way to decrease serum and total hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride and enhance faecal excretion of bile acids. In conclusion, these findings suggest that L. plantarum DMDL 9010 has potential to be explored as a probiotic for hypercholesterolaemic preventive and therapeutic.     

Interaction of probiotic Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains with human intestinal epithelial cells: adhesion properties, competition against enteropathogens and modulation of IL-8 production

The human intestinal microbiota plays a pivotal role in human nutrition and health by promoting the supply of nutrients, preventing pathogen colonization and shaping and maintaining normal mucosal immunity. The depletion of the individual microbiota can result in a higher susceptibility to enteropathogenic bacteria infection. In order to reduce this risk, the use of food supplements containing probiotic bacteria has been recently addressed. In this paper, we investigate the protective role toward enteropathogen infection of probiotic strains belonging to Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. According to our experimental data, Lactobacillus acidophilus Bar13, L. plantarum Bar10, Bifidobacterium longum Bar33 and B. lactis Bar30 were effective in displacing the enteropathogens Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli H10407 from a Caco-2 cell layer. Moreover, L. acidophilus Bar13 and B. longum Bar33 have been assessed for their immunomodulatory activity on IL-8 production by HT29 cells. Both strains showed the potential to protect enterocytes from an acute inflammatory response. These probiotic strains are potential candidates for the development of new functional foods helpful in counteracting enteropathogen infections.     

In vitro characterisation of probiotic properties of Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus durans strains isolated from raw milk and traditional dairy products

In this study, some probiotic characteristics such as antimicrobial activity, vancomycin resistance, growth ability at pH, resistance to bile salts, bile salt deconjugation and hydrophobicity of 30 Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus durans strains isolated and identified from raw milk and various dairy products were investigated. According to the study results, antimicrobial activity profiling, pH and bile salt resistance and bile salt deconjugation ability of Enterococcus strains varied depending on the species and strains and all the strains showed resistance to the tested bile salt concentrations. It was concluded that the E. faecium and E. durans strains tested showed probiotic characteristics and have the potential to be used in food production.